MAYFLOWER audiences will be seeing red and gold following a nearly £4 million refurbishment next year.

Theatre bosses have unveiled an artist’s impression of the new colours in their historic auditorium. The red and gold scheme, which will take shape next summer, is a tribute to the glamorous 1920s heritage of the Grade II listed building.

The last major auditorium refurbishment was over 30 years ago with turquoise, ocean blue and salmon pink paint.

Chief executive Michael Ockwell said: “We spent a long time working with paint analysis experts to rediscover what colour schemes have been used over our 89 year history. We have also looked at comparable theatres built around the same time as ours. Paint samples revealed several different colours over the years including grey, cream, yellow and even a vivid pink in the 1970s.

“We decided on red and gold as it celebrates the tradition and heritage of our building, while also meeting the practical needs of a modern theatre. We hope the community embraces this and shares our vision to protect and enhance the legacy of the theatre.”

Specialists will begin testing samples before Christmas, Michael added, “We have to do this large scale – roughly a 20ft section of wall in the balcony will be painted, and then we shine our new lights on this area to see the final effect”.

The theatre will close from June 10 following a run of War Horse until late September and will reopen with Wicked following the work, which will also include new seating and accessibility improvements.

Mayflower Theatre has secured £2.6 million of the £3.95 million cost thanks to audience donations and significant gifts from the Garfield Weston Foundation and Backstage Trust. As a charitable trust which receives no direct public subsidy, it is seeking public help to raise the remaining £1.35 million needed.